From the Lab to the Field: Organic Materials for Industrial Applications and Environmental Remediation

Abstract

Many new achievement developments for different industries have their origin in the basic science. Within the last years, this trend is gaining much attention since the interaction between both fields (scientific and industry) is increasing. This article presents some rational materials chemical modifications that were developed by the basic science and were, then, transferred to the productive sector. Conducting hydrophobic coatings for aerospace applications, hydrogels for the oil & gas industry as well as polymers for removal of heavy metal were some of the topics approached in the lab to solve industrial problems. Many times, nature is a great source of inspiration to produce new materials. In this sense, superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity (concepts closely related to our everyday life) were the bioinspiration for the development of membranes. These membranes were able to separate hydrocarbons and water, which found application in the treatment of subterranean water for oil & gas industry.